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Show Ih9 Salina Sun Wednesday. Sept. ?8. 1988 The Salina Sun You Pre- - school has room for more students Education 3 and Your Child: Success in School by JIM CAMPBELL Utah Education Association President Many parents visit their childrens schools, but how many analyze what they see? Okay, parents, here are some questions you may want to ask next time: Do all students have a textbook for each class, or do they share textbooks? Are the textbooks up to date? Do the students have a school library media center that is open every school day? Is a professional library media coordinator on duty to assist students? Are recent magazines and newspapers available? Does the center have at least 20 books for each student in the school? How many students are in a typical class? Are there more than 25? Does the school offer art, music and physical education staffed by trained teachers? Does the school set high standards for academic performance and behavior? Do school administrators, school employees and parents cooperate in helping students meet these standards? Do students have access to modem equipment, such as computers? Are parents, such as those who are PTA members, involved in school programs? Is there a feeling of sharing, cooperating and high motivation at the school? Are parents and teachers directly involved in decision making on such matters as curriculum and textbook selection? The answers should help you to know your childs school a get little better. BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT : Last week's Back To School Night at North Sevier M Iddle School was well attended. Parents met with teachers and discussed their childrens progress in class. This year Night classes set graders who had been attending NSMS are attending Salina Elementary school, so the studentbody is not quite as large as last year. Principal Boyd Gurney says that everything is oft to a great start, and he expects it to be a classic year at NSHS. the adults and students Night classes sponsored by school students. Sevier School District are being held Spanish, basic or intermediTuesday, Wednesday and Thursday ate, depending on students needs; nights and enrollment is now taking Wed., October 19, to Jan. 18, Richplace, according to Adult and Comfield High, teacher, Larry Black, munity Education Director Boyd tuition $36, waived for adult high KeiseL school students. Classes include: Upholstery; supply your own Healthy Lifestyles ; life man- project; Wed., 7 to 10 p.m. January agement and coping skills; Wed., 9 25 to March 15; old Richfield Jr. p.m.; Room 5N, Sevier Valley High; order fabric by January 11 Tech; teacher. Char Lusher, ends through teacher, Betty Luke, Dec. 2 1 ; tuition $36, waived for adult tuition $36 waived for adult high school students. high school students. Typing: basic keyboarding skills, pre requisite to computer class; Basic classes which meet curWed., 9 p.m, Richfield High; teacher, Helen Pruitt, ends Dec. 7; rent adult high school requirements tuition $30, waived for adult high are being taught. They include: school students. Reading, improving skills; American History, Part 1, to 1860; Computer Science for begin9 ners; Wed., p.m., Richfield Basic Math, simple number funcRick Teacher Pruitt; ends Dec. tions; Life Science, plants and aniHigh; 21 , tuition $36 waived for adult high mals. school students. Another computer High school students who are referred to adult education classes by class will be held on Tuesdays ,stfm7 their school 3. counselors, and are takmg January , for high school credit, the classes ing . . .Guitar for beginners: Thursclass. Other regular $15 pay per p.m., Richfield High; day, the class for students school taking Teacher, Bonnie Campbell; ends enrichment pay the regular tuition tuition fees Music $27, Dec. 8, $6, fee. waived for adult high school stuEnrollment for any of these dents. or further information, can classes, Photography, includes some obtained be by calling the Adult Tues-1 zone system, two field trips, Other Education Office, Richfield 9 6:30 to p.m.; High, days, added to schedule the classes be may teacher Frank Biagi, ends Dec 13; if at least 12 students enroll. tuition $45, waived for adult high 7-- 896-522- 2; 7-- 7-- 896-821- School Board lists cuts that 4. Jems with health, lack of basic skills, Teachers often ask themselves such questions about students. We spot some gifted underachievers when they do well on achievement tests, but some get less than excellent grades. In a current article on the subject of gifted underachievers, Melissa Etlin reports that the two most common' signs of the problems of gifted underachievers are the class clown and bully. And the article notes that more than half of all intellectually gifted students are discipline problems in the classroom. Its tough to identify the shy kids who passively comply getting merely passing grades, when they could be academically outstanding. Sometimes they have prob- - handicaps and motivation conflicts. Melissa Etlin reports that often bright teenage females deliberately underachieve because theyre afraid they wont be popular if they appear smart Sometimes we adults dont expect enough from gifted children who produce good school work when GREAT work should be coming from them. Sometimes they achieve greatness despite setbacks. College professors rated Louis Pasteur mediocre in chemistry; F.W. Wool worth was fired from a diy goods store; Abraham Lincoln entered the Black Hawk War as a captain and came home a private; and an editor told Louisa May Alcott shed never write anything with popular appeal. Having already made decisions about potential cuts, the board had little to discuss prior to their vote, according to Supt. Brent Rock. If one or two but not all three of the tax limitations pass, the board would then activate the polity list it has established, cutting until the required amount has been removed. As much as $1.1 million would have to be cut in all three initiatives pass, Dr. Rock noted. Charging rentals on commuof buildings would be the use nity first measure taken, according to the best scenario list in an 18 page document prepared by district officials. Other items include raising fees for textbook charges in high schools; raising school lunch prices; eliminating summer music programs; eliminating upkeep on media materials in school libraries; eliminating the community education program; reducing district office staff by one administrator and one secretary; reducing secretarial help at two high schools; reducing mainte- - nanc4 and custodial staff; reducing counselor positions by half; keeping classroom sets of texts rather than providing one per student; reducing activities, activity transportation points pay for coaches, and field trips unless funded from a private source, and reducing media staff by half. All of these, in that order would be set in place if necessary, before any red uction of teaching staff would take place. By making decisions ahead of time the board hopes to prepare the public for what might happen. The board has a First Amendment right and moral responsibility as elected officials to keep the public informed, Dr. Rock said, not to scare anyone, but to help them understand the issues. The potential consequences include: Elimination of community and adult education programs. All students in grades 9 - 12 will pay about $75 in textbook fees. Increase school lunch prices about 30 cents per meal to cover full cost of meals. Eliminate summer music program. Charge for community use of school buildings. Reduction by 18 percent of all district office administration and secretaries. Reduce secretarial help at South Sevier and Richfield High Schools. Reduce by 18 percent maintenance staff. Reduce by 20 percent custodial staff. Reduce High School counselors from full to half time. Provide only classroom sets of textbooks. Students will share books. Elimination of student activities including athletics and field trips unless funded by private sources. . Activities at NSHS Wow! 23,202 minutes reduce by 50 percent media library personnel. Reduced from full to half time. Increase by four or more, the average number of students in each classroom in the district, and reduce the teaching staff about 22 teachers, resulting in less help and services for children. Bottom Line: More students per teacher (4 to 5). Fewer learning opportunities for students. Increased costs for parents in books, school lunch, etc. Worst: loss of 43.5 jobs. 896-877- 896-485- 0. No gain.No pain. a moderate weight may reduce your risk of heart attack Maintaining American Heart Association WERE FIGHTING FOR VOUR LIFE Teaching AIDS curriculum required by State Board Teaching school age children an AIDS curriculum is now required by the State Board of Education. Each school board has received instructions and packets concerning how to handle the subject of AIDS in the schools. District administrators, who realize this is a touchy subject, have requested a study committee to review and assess the material provided by the state and design a plan to incorporate the information into the Sevier School District. As ou dined, the study would begin in the third grade with a simple lesson: diseases, what they are, and how some can kill. The material would also include instruction on cleanliness. Each school grade from that level on would be taught to the students age level of understanding. Instruction for high school age students would entail a high risk detailed program including how the disease is transmitted, what it is, how it kills, and more. Before a student would be allowed to attend the classes on AIDS, parental permission will be required and students whose parents do not sign will be excused from the curriculum and placed in individual study or group study areas. The Sevier District School Board heard Wayne LeBaron, of the Central Utah Mental Health Department report on AIDS, and a plan for teaching about it in local schools. Mr. LeB aron said that a teaching plan for the Jordan School District seemed to be a good one, and was well received by teacher, students and parents. The School Board is considerthese ing plans, and will make their final decision shortly, according to Samuel Ware, Board Secretary. given Principal Timothy Smith has arreports that mid-terrived, and that Parent-Teachconferences will be held on m of Physical Education! in these days ot sweating tor a tinier waistline as well as a longer life, an interesting new statistics on physical education in Utah schools has come to light. Utah schools require 23,20? minutes of physical education during each students kindergarten through 12th grade career, according to a national study by the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance. Utah ranks 22nd nationally for the amount of time required for P.E. The leader is Illinois, with a 96,300 minute requirement. Scott Hess, heal thspecialistfor the State Office of Education says Utahs elementary school physical education program will pick up after a teacher training program. Some observers say that America is experiencing a youth fitness crisis. A few students have medical with P.E. problems that interfere activities. Some just dont want to may be made in Nov. In a unanimous vote last Thursday afternoon, the Sevier School District Board of Education adopted a resolution opposing Tax Initiatives A, B and C, which will appear on the November ballot Responsibility to provide the highest quality education possible to the 4,650 students in the district, at the same time accepting their responsibility to inform the public of important changes in school budgets and to explain how such changes will impact school related services and programs is the boards reason for adopting the resolution. Growth of enrollment by at least two classrooms a year over the past ten years, the second highest pupilteacher ratio in rural school districts, and 8 cumulative budget cuts over the past eight years are cited in the resolution for the boards opposition. Gifted Underachievers Is there an Einstein or a Da Vinci in my classroom who gets average in math or art? fifth Space is available for more students in Sevier School Districts Special Education Pre School, according to program director Genie Nielsen. Students who need extra help to prepare them for greater success in the public education system , and who are at least three years old before November 1, 1988 are eligible for me program. According to Mrs. Nielsen, children who turned five by August 3 1 and should be in kindergarten are not eligible for the pre school. Parents who have questions about their childrens needs should be aware of some signs to watch for, the director said, but decisions about admission to the school are made on the basis of screenings done by district professionals. A child who is physically handicapped, has poor eye hand coordination, has speech defects or delayed language development should be screened. Some hyperactive children whose condition affects learning may also benefit by attending pre school. Parents who see that their child might be lagging behind other children the same age should be especially concerned, Mrs. Nielsen said, and if there are any questions at all in parents minds, they shouldnt hesitate to call. Mrs Nielsen may be reached at l, the which is located at the Old Junior High in Richfield, by 6 or Sevier School calling Districts Special Services office, er get sweaty. Many young people train for team sports. Some train because they want to feel and look good. e Experts say that a longer is the outlook for those who continue to exercise long after those 23,202 minutes are gone. lite-tim- October 10. The FFA Roundup will be held September 28. Students will visit the nearby mountains and will learn about ecology there. Here's the Bookmobile schedule for October FOR AURORA, SAUNA, AND REDMOND The October schedule for the Utah State Bookmobile has been announced by Douglas Christensen, librarian. The Bookmobile will be in our area on Mondays October 3, 17 and 3 1 in Sal ina, Aurora and Redmond as follows: Salina - Sunnybrook, 1:30 2:30 p.m. to p.m. Redmond - Old Church, 3 p.m. October 15 is approaching quickly and we are excited about the many beautiful decorating ideas our shop is offering. You will find exquisite floral arrangements for fall and the holiday season, a distinct line of homemade candies, Halloween treats and decorations, lovely art pieces not before available in our area. Custom, personalized Christmas trees are available. Several beautiful trees are decorated and on display. We will deliver the tree of your choice to your home or office. Let us prepare one of our individual "Sax", or a "Sock" for your special someone, any occasion, or no occasion at all. We will organize a gift that will be delightful and appreciated through our personal shopper service. to 4:15 p.m. Aurora - Aurora Church, 4:45 p.m. to 6:15 p.m Everyone is invited to utilize the Bookmobile as it comes through your area. If the book you arc looking for is not in the Bookmobile, it can be ordered from the state library. . Blanchette Eas |